Justin swallowed hard. “I thought that if I spoke to you, man to man, you might agree to seek … what you wish with someone who understands how things are done here in Town.”
Branford couldn’t help but be struck by the young man’s sincerity—and his courage. Normally, he would have sent such an impudent pup slinking away with a scathing set-down. But there was something about Chilton’s quiet determination, the set of his shoulders, the earnest concern for his family that reminded him of another young man …
The earl thinned his lips and then asked, “Are you a good shot, Chilton?”
A muscle in Justin’s jaw twitched but his chin rose another fraction higher. “I am considered adequate by my acquaintances at home.”
“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you at Manton’s.”
Justin colored. “I do not have either the funds or the connections to gain entrance at that august establishment.”
Branford sighed and reached into his coat pocket and pulled out an engraved calling card. “Tell Watters I sent you,” he said, thrusting the card into Justin’s hand. “He will arrange for everything.”
The young man looked utterly confused. “I … I don’t understand. You are arranging for me to join Manton’s?” Hisexpression slowly altered to one of suspicion. “I cannot be fobbed off that easily, sir. I will not abandon my sister’s welfare just to gain entrance to the most exclusive shooting gallery in Town?—”
“I have a proposal to make,” cut in Branford.
Justin fell silent, a frown still clouding his features.
“I prefer not to have to deal with your histrionics every time I choose to converse with your sister—by the by, I commend you for at least having the sense to do it in private this time. But any more such efforts to guard your sister will only be damaging toherreputation, notmine, if they become public knowledge. And they most certainly will be become extremely tiresome to me.”
He paused. “I have no intention of hurting your sister in any way, Chilton. I give you my solemn word of honor on that. And if you ever feel I have not lived up to that pledge, I shall meet you on the field of honor under whatever terms you care to offer.”
Justin looked confused. “Then why are you sending me to Manton’s?”
“Because I am accorded to be a deadly shot, Chilton. If we meet on the dueling field, I prefer that you be more than adequate with a pistol. Contrary to what you may have heard, I take no pleasure in murdering boys.”
Justin studied the earl’s hard, impenetrable expression. “Very well, sir,” he said slowly. “I will accept your word as a gentleman.”
“Excellent. Now kindly go away, and stay out of my sight.”
Branford stalked from the room and retrieved his greatcoat from a footman. As he stepped into the cool night air, he shook his head ruefully.
Driving a bluestocking, on-the-shelf young lady to Kew Gardens for a day of looking at plants … sponsoring a green pup to Manton’s …
If he didn’t have a care, it would be his own fearsome reputation among the beau monde that would soon be in shreds.
Six
“Ihadn’t imagined the leaves ofColocasia esculentawere so green,” murmured Alex. “I mean, such a rich, nuanced green. It’s more viridian than emerald … but much deeper than apple …” Her voice trailed off as she stared off into the distance, lost in her own thoughts. It was another quarter mile before a bump in the road jarred her from her reverie.
“Ye heavens, milord— I fear that I’ve been frightfully rude. Why, I haven’t said a word to you in ages!”
Branford smiled as he guided his greys around a mail coach with consummate skill. “Not at all, Miss Chilton. I commend you for not acting like a miss newly out of the schoolroom who feels she must prattle away regardless of having anything worthwhile to say.”
Alex laughed. “I’m afraid I’m usually prattling on about something, though as for acting like a schoolroom miss, I doubt that’s possible at my advanced age.”
“On the shelf, are you?” he inquired, cocking one eyebrow.
There was an almost imperceptible pause before she answered. “Yes, thank goodness, and very glad of it.”
He slanted a sideways glance at her rigid features, his curiosity piqued by her reply. But before he could respond, she sighed and spoke again. “Kew Gardens was even more amazing than I imagined! There was so much to take in!”
The earl allowed himself to be distracted. “You enjoyed yourself?”
“Oh, milord, it was truly wonderful. Everything was amazingly lush and vibrant—and the colors!” She smiled at him. “I can’t thank you enough.”
Branford knew many ladies who would kill to look as radiant and sincere as Alex did at that moment.
